Snorre A. Selmer wrote:
> I don't see why a simple commercial glass cleaning product could not be
safely used on
> them. Does anyone disagree?
Glass-cleaning chemicals can ruin anit-reflection coatings (they often
contain some sort of solvent to be efficient smudge-removers). Use a clean
micro-fiber cloth or gently moistened chamois(?) (use plain water) and wipe
from the center of the element outwards (avoid circular motions).
This is NOT the DEFINITIVE answer, but it's the best advice I can give you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------
The Tokina factory uses Anhydroxous Ethly Alcohol to clean the elements,
both coated and uncoated.
Contrary to popular belief the coatings on lens elements are very good and
harder to remove and ruin than one may think.
I often use methyl alcohol and a cotton swab and follow up with a
micro-fiber cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Technicians explain to "use" circular motions from the center moving outward
to the edges of the lens slowly which allows time for the alcohol to dry.
Bear in mind that alcohol will ruin plastic elements found in some modern
lenses (often the rear element in less expensive lenses). This is why windex
or some ammonia based cleaner may prove safer. Even though they have water
in it a once or twice application will not ruin the coating. BTW, I have
used acetone on coated filters and never removed the coating or a part of
it. I do not use acetone on lenses though as alcohol has always served me
well for those applications. Water is the one thing to avoid since it will
destroy the coating after prolonged use.
Peter K
*
****
*******
***********************************************************
* For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see:
* http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm
***********************************************************
